The Baltimore Ravens have promoted secondary coach Chuck Pagano to defensive coordinator, replacing Greg Mattison. "Coach Pagano is probably the best secondary coach I've ever had," Ravens cornerback Fabian Washington said. "I just texted him and told him I was happy for him. It's way past overdue. He should have been a defensive coordinator already. Chuck is one of the best coaches, period, in the league."

The Baltimore Ravens defense never had to circle the wagons this summer, even after veteran free safety Ed Reed was placed on the physically unable to perform list. Though the six-time Pro Bowler would miss at least six games while recovering from offseason hip surgery, the Ravens believed their overall depth would fill the void. That faith has been fulfilled with a 5-2 start, including victories against elite AFC teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets.

It wasn't too long ago two years to be exact that Joe Flacco felt like a college freshman all over again. Like any other rookie, he was confused and overwhelmed in a new job that required playing perhaps the toughest position in sports. Yet two years can be an eternity in the NFL.